FTBD vs. RFIX

Last updated Jul 11, 2026

FTBD (Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF) and RFIX (Simplify Bond Bull ETF) are both Nontraditional Bonds funds. Both are actively managed. Over the past year, FTBD returned 4.81% vs -15.24% for RFIX. A 0.63 correlation means they provide meaningful diversification when combined. FTBD charges 0.55%/yr vs 0.50%/yr for RFIX.

Performance

FTBD vs. RFIX - Performance Comparison

The chart below illustrates the hypothetical performance of a $10,000 investment in Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF (FTBD) and Simplify Bond Bull ETF (RFIX). The values are adjusted to include any dividend payments, if applicable.

Returns By Period

In the year-to-date period, FTBD achieves a 1.10% return, which is significantly lower than RFIX's 4.77% return.

FTBD

• 1D: -0.11%
• 1M: 0.41%
• 6M: 0.85%
• YTD: 1.10%
• 1Y: 4.81%
• 3Y*: 5.31%
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

RFIX

• 1D: -1.24%
• 1M: -1.73%
• 6M: 3.74%
• YTD: 4.77%
• 1Y: -15.24%
• 3Y*: —
• 5Y*: —
• 10Y*: —

*Multi-year figures are annualized to reflect compound growth (CAGR)

FTBD vs. RFIX - Yearly Performance Comparison

	2026 (YTD)	2025	2024
FTBD Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF	1.10%	8.35%	-2.28%
RFIX Simplify Bond Bull ETF	4.77%	-28.43%	-12.22%

Correlation

The correlation between FTBD and RFIX is 0.53, which is moderate. They share some common price drivers but move independently often enough to provide real diversification benefit when combined.

	Correlation
Correlation (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	0.53
Correlation (All Time) Calculated using the full available price history since Dec 10, 2024	0.63

The correlation between FTBD and RFIX has been stable across timeframes, ranging from 0.53 to 0.63 - a consistent structural relationship.

Return for Risk

FTBD vs. RFIX — Risk / Return Rank

Compare risk-adjusted metric ranks to identify better-performing investments over the past 12 months.

FTBD

FTBD Risk / Return Rank: 39
FTBD Sharpe Ratio Rank: 39
FTBD Sortino Ratio Rank: 38
FTBD Omega Ratio Rank: 35
FTBD Calmar Ratio Rank: 39
FTBD Martin Ratio Rank: 42

RFIX

RFIX Risk / Return Rank: 4
RFIX Sharpe Ratio Rank: 5
RFIX Sortino Ratio Rank: 5
RFIX Omega Ratio Rank: 5
RFIX Calmar Ratio Rank: 3
RFIX Martin Ratio Rank: 2

The rank (0–100) shows how this investment's returns compare to the risk taken. Higher = better. Based on the past 12 months of data, combining Sharpe, Sortino, and other metrics used by quantitative funds and institutional investors.

FTBD vs. RFIX - Risk-Adjusted Trends Comparison

This table presents a comparison of risk-adjusted performance metrics for Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF (FTBD) and Simplify Bond Bull ETF (RFIX). Risk-adjusted metrics are performance indicators that assess an investment's returns in relation to its risk, enabling a more accurate comparison of different investment options.

Values are calculated on a 1-year rolling basis and updated daily. Risk-adjusted metrics are more stable over longer periods — use the period switch above to explore them.

	FTBD	RFIX	Difference
Sharpe ratio: Return per unit of total volatility	1.13	-0.51	+1.64
Sortino ratio: Return per unit of downside risk	1.64	-0.57	+2.21
Omega ratio: Gain probability vs. loss probability	1.20	0.94	+0.26
Calmar ratio: Return relative to maximum drawdown	1.62	-0.71	+2.33
Martin ratio: Return relative to average drawdown	5.40	-1.32	+6.72

FTBD vs. RFIX - Sharpe Ratio Comparison

The current FTBD Sharpe Ratio is 1.13, which is higher than the RFIX Sharpe Ratio of -0.51. The chart below compares the historical Sharpe Ratios of FTBD and RFIX, calculated using daily returns over the previous 12 months. A higher Sharpe Ratio indicates better risk-adjusted performance relative to the risk-free rate.

Drawdowns

FTBD vs. RFIX - Drawdown Comparison

The maximum FTBD drawdown since its inception was -6.98%, smaller than the maximum RFIX drawdown of -38.79%. Use the drawdown chart below to compare losses from any high point for FTBD and RFIX.

Drawdown Indicators

	FTBD	RFIX	Difference
Max Drawdown Largest peak-to-trough decline	-6.98%	-38.79%	+31.81%
Max Drawdown (1Y) Largest decline over 1 year	-2.98%	-21.63%	+18.65%
Max Drawdown (3Y) Largest decline over 3 years	-6.56%	—	—
Current Drawdown Current decline from peak	-1.04%	-34.26%	+33.22%
Average Drawdown Average peak-to-trough decline	-1.55%	-24.54%	+22.99%
Ulcer Index Depth and duration of drawdowns from previous peaks	0.89%	11.59%	-10.70%

Volatility

FTBD vs. RFIX - Volatility Comparison

The current volatility for Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF (FTBD) is 1.37%, while Simplify Bond Bull ETF (RFIX) has a volatility of 9.28%. This indicates that FTBD experiences smaller price fluctuations and is considered to be less risky than RFIX based on this measure. The chart below showcases a comparison of their rolling one-month volatility.

Volatility by Period

	FTBD	RFIX	Difference
Volatility (1M) Calculated over the trailing 1-month period	1.37%	9.28%	-7.91%
Volatility (6M) Calculated over the trailing 6-month period	3.36%	20.40%	-17.04%
Volatility (1Y) Calculated over the trailing 1-year period	4.29%	29.84%	-25.55%
Volatility (5Y) Calculated over the trailing 5-year period, annualized	5.83%	30.87%	-25.04%
Volatility (10Y) Calculated over the trailing 10-year period, annualized	5.83%	30.87%	-25.04%

FTBD vs. RFIX - Expense Ratio Comparison

FTBD has a 0.55% expense ratio, which is higher than RFIX's 0.50% expense ratio.

Dividends

FTBD vs. RFIX - Dividend Comparison

FTBD's dividend yield for the trailing twelve months is around 5.08%, more than RFIX's 4.62% yield.

Position	TTM	2025	2024	2023
FTBD Fidelity Tactical Bond ETF	5.08%	5.04%	4.76%	4.69%
RFIX Simplify Bond Bull ETF	4.62%	5.07%	0.00%	0.00%

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I hold both FTBD and RFIX in my portfolio?

FTBD and RFIX have a correlation of 0.53, meaning they provide meaningful diversification benefit when combined. Depending on your allocation goals, holding both could reduce overall portfolio risk.

Which is riskier, FTBD or RFIX?

RFIX has higher volatility (9.28%) compared to FTBD (1.37%). In terms of maximum drawdown, FTBD dropped -6.98% vs RFIX's -38.79%.

Which ETF is better, FTBD or RFIX?

On 1-year performance, FTBD leads with 4.81% vs -15.24% for RFIX. On fees, RFIX is cheaper at 0.50% per year. On volatility, FTBD has been the lower-risk option at 1.37%. The better choice depends on whether you care most about return, fees, risk, or income.

Which ETF has performed better, FTBD or RFIX?

Over the 1-year period, FTBD has performed better with a 4.81% return vs -15.24%. Past performance does not guarantee future results, so compare this with risk, fees, and fund exposure.

Which ETF is cheaper, FTBD or RFIX?

RFIX is cheaper with a 0.50% expense ratio, compared with 0.55% for FTBD.

Which ETF pays a higher dividend yield, FTBD or RFIX?

FTBD has the higher dividend yield at 5.08%, compared with 4.62% for RFIX.

What is the main difference between FTBD and RFIX?

They also come from different issuers: Fidelity and Simplify. Their fees differ too: 0.55% for FTBD and 0.50% for RFIX.

Which has better risk-adjusted returns?

FTBD currently has the higher Sharpe Ratio (1.13 vs -0.51), meaning it's delivered slightly more return per unit of risk over the trailing 12 months. However, this ranking shifts over time - use the Risk/Return Score above for a more comprehensive view that combines Sharpe, Sortino, and other measures used by quantitative funds.